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Louwai
12-08-2007, 07:59 AM
Hello all,
My finder "fell off" my C8 & hit the concrete pretty hard.:whistle: Don't ask...........:mad2:

The second lens now has a chip on one edge & there also seems to be an issue deeper inside the tube, but I can't get the tube apart to check.
I've removed the lens from the "big end" & also the 1st & 2nd lenses from the "little end" (one of which is chipped as noted), but that's as far as I seem to be able to get.
The OTA changes diameter & just on the larger side of this size change is a "seam" on the outside which I assume is a screwed joint. But with a fair bit of manual force (hands only) I can't budge it.

With the OTA dismantled to this point, & looking into the large opening I can see what looks like a lens which is cracked in 3 or 4 places. When I turn the OTA around & look from the other end I can see the cross hairs but there is no hint of any other damage behind them.

Before dismantling the OTA, the chip at the edge of the 2nd lens was visable. There didn't seem to be any other internal damage.
Other than the chip, there was a very noticable difference in the sharpness / clarity of what could be seen when compared with the view prior to my misfortune.

So after all of that, Can anyone offer any suggestions (other than buying a new one) on how to get the remainder of the OTA apart & / or what other issues there may be that I'm still not aware of.

A replacement 2nd lens would be a great help too.

PS. Need some replacement silicon tipped screws. The issue was cause by the quick release finder mount coming loose & allowing the finder & rings to fall. :doh: The impact moved the OTA within the rings & the movement took the silicon tipps off the ends of 3 of the positional screws.

Anyone with any spare / 2nd hand bits that will fit & are willing to sell them ???????

Lee
12-08-2007, 08:54 AM
Ouch.... makes you wonder why you need a quick-release mechanism on a finder-scope though doesn't it! I'd be inclined to write it off, given the damage it has sustained...

Louwai
12-08-2007, 09:20 AM
The quick release was just what the finder came with when I bought it. But it has actually been useful as I often pack up the C8 & visit different dark sky sites. The 8" OTA won't fit correctly in it's carry box with the finder in place, so was good to be able to take it off easily.
It just became a bit too easy..........